Research and Analysis
Ross Strategic conducts insightful policy and program analysis to help our clients address complex challenges, evaluate new approaches to achieve better environmental results using fewer resources, and communicate effectively with the public and key stakeholders. Drawing from expert interviews, literature reviews, and data analysis, we tailor our research and publications to the specific needs and objectives of our clients. We bring a wide range of content expertise to our work—covering all types of environmental contamination, ecosystem and natural resource management challenges, clean energy solutions, and effective governance.
Our graphic design, data visualization, and website development skills allow us to create final products that are insightful, visually appealing, and tailored to key audiences. We also develop web-based tools, spreadsheets, and practical toolkits that clients and stakeholders can use to analyze data, share information, and evaluate policy options.
Related Projects
Integrating Community Priorities and Sustainability in Water Infrastructure Decisions
Working with the EPA Office of Water, Ross Strategic developed the "Making the Right Choices for Your Utility: Using Sustainability Criteria for Water Infrastructure Decision Making" guide. This guide outlines the Augmented Alternatives Analysis process for small to medium sized water utilities faced with making large capital investments that represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to impact the fabric of their communities. This process builds on a conventional analysis and incorporates a systematic and transparent process for a utility to consider a broader range of social, environmental, and economic benefits that investments can create. Ross also supported a webinar that provides an overview of the Augmented Alternatives Analysis process and real-world examples.
Contaminants of Emerging Concern in Drinking Water
The Association of State Drinking Water Administrators’ State CEC Rule Development and Management Strategies Toolkit helps drinking water agencies move from a strong signal of potential risk from a contaminant of emerging concern (CEC) in drinking water to managing risk to an acceptable level. To produce this toolkit, Ross Strategic conducted desk research and gathered individual and collective input from drinking water professionals in ten states. Representatives from these states reflected on their experience and expertise managing CECs through one-on-one interviews, an in-person workshop, and module-specific webinars over the course of six months.
Addressing Nutrient Pollution in Our Nation’s Waters: The Role of a Statewide Utility
In partnership with national water associations, Ross Strategic researched and developed a policy brief exploring statewide utilities as a new collaborative approach for reducing nutrient pollution in our nation's waterways. The brief introduces institutional changes that, if implemented, could create the structure and confidence needed to unlock additional investment and address the longstanding challenge of excess nutrient pollution in our nation’s waters.
Reducing Residential Energy Use with Community-Based Social Marketing
Ross Strategic worked with energy efficiency programs, technical experts, and others to develop a Community-Based Social Marketing Toolkit for energy efficiency upgrades—and a related case study of Fort Collins, CO. The toolkit and case study provide a step-by-step approach to help energy efficiency program administrators apply social science and data-driven strategies to change residential energy use behavior.
Best Practices for Designing Residential Energy Efficiency Programs
Since 2010 Ross Strategic has supported local governments around the country by researching and communicating best practices for the design and implementation of residential energy efficiency programs to reduce energy use, lower emissions, and create jobs. Drawing on implementation lessons from over 50 cities, Ross partnered in the development of the web-based Better Buildings Residential Program Solution Center, which provides step-by-step guidance, tips, and resources for all aspects of designing and managing home energy upgrade programs.